The Rapha Festive 500

100 done. Windy like hell, was worried my rain jacket would rip. :) Weather for next week looks grim with crazy winds every day. Not looking forward.

Jez! Yeah just check the weather now, looks dreadful

No sure why you’d even contemplate going out in this

An inauspicious start:

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Challenge innit. I used to do it for the badge but since that's been rescinded I'm not fussed. Also too as well the fact that doing it in the West of Scotland is fucking madness most years.

It's all about the Solstice centuries now.😃

That'll learn them.

80/500
Some consistent 80kms is the hope for this year.
Yup windy as hell agree.

Good effort guys, hope the weather will improve and there will be some nice winter days too!

Blown out tyre ^^^.

Many thanks to the young couple who asked if I needed any help in (almost?) Twickenham.

I assured them I could easily wheel back to somewhere where I could procure a replacement tyre.

The male (of the duo) caught up with me at the Twickenham Coop, with a bag of part worn tyres.
Transpires they had both raced, and had these in a bag on the back of the front door.

I gratefully accepted a Hutchinson Fusion, mounted it and returned homewards.

As Danny Baker used to say: 'It's the feelgood story of the year!'

10km with my eldest (8) today, going to see what we can rack up

That’s outstanding, near pro level road side assistance.

In other news it’s still a hurricane out there 187ks done. Back home and the 5 year old still isn’t up!!

102k across windy Berks to start - outstanding roast pork Sandwich for lunch though

Amazing, love that 🤗

We drive round with a track pump in the boot and have occasionally pulled up and offered it to peoples astonishment .

Where are all the pictures?
Anyone down under participating this year??
Already regret not doing it this year, the weather was nice here today.

Up to 13.8

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289kms done, still windy, 5 day finish might be on

Good on you, get it done before the rain comes. I was really up for this but body is begging for a rest and no bike until tomorrow evening.
Hope everyone else enjoys it

Did a short ride today. Not doing the 500 this year but still nice to be on the bike during the holidays

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Good effort!

Up to 170km after 3 days in windy western france. Putting together hour rides between meals and children board games. This is hard, probably won't get to 500 with 2 of days of travel over the next 5 days. But it still feels mildly rewarding after a few months without any cycling.

Good luck to everyone

Was hoping to do it over 28/29/30 but the weather looks so naff I don't think I can bring myself to even contemplate starting.

Today's 50+miles was enlivened by an invitation from @jdmitch to drop in for a chat and few Xmas leftovers.

COVID since the 22nd has sort of kiboshed my attempt, but got out for a sunny 85k today and I feel ok tonight/tomorrow then I'll push on and see if I can make up to 500 before NYE. Might consider a long (200k ISH) ride out east towards Sheppey or similar as a bit of exploring new areas (to me) always gives me extra motivation to get out. This is all precursor to the real challenge: the 496 in January

suns up, it’s horrible out, only due to get horribler

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